The world is currently fighting a very dangerous enemy, the coronavirus. Some countries have declared a state of emergency to stop the spread of COVID-19, which includes new movement and contact restrictions.
In these challenging times, a question is being posed: Should we go walking or jogging?
Physical activity outside helps us maintain our mental health, and clear our minds which is very important in these conditions. However, we should also listen to the doctors and experts and avoid close contact with other people.
Carolyn C. Cannuscio, social epidemiologist from the Public Health Initiative Center of the Pennsylvania University, for New York Times:
“As long as you keep your distance, getting around is allowed. People wanting to go out should do their best to maintain their personal space. We must try to avoid face to face contact, so with every decision we make we must have that in mind. I recommend having a walk through the less busy streets, places with a small amount of people and where it’s possible to avoid contact. Also, you should avoid stopping to chat with your neighbors.
If you notice a lot of people outside, be patient and go outside later. If you have to go the store or the pharmacy and notice crowds, turn back and come back later.”
Trying to maintain your personal space can look funny, and with a lot of businesses and schools moving to the online world, walking the streets can start to look like you’re playing a video game, but this is the reality we will have to face if we want to survive the fight with the corona pandemic.
The need to go out and clear your head is a concern of many Public Health Officials who specialize in risk assessment through all aspects.
Crystal Watson, scientist from the Center of Heath Safety Johns Hopkins says:
“If you keep at least 2 meters distance from others, you almost certainly aren’t risking your health. I think that people should go out in the sunlight. Walking your dog or going to the park is safe and necessary if you keep the social distance.”
